Why Elk Calves Are Undetectable to Yellowstone's Wolves

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Transcript

00:00 As the elk slowly migrate back up into the Yellowstone National Park,

00:04 they pass through different wolf territories.

00:07 By May, they reach the high plateau in the interior,

00:12 where new, rich grasses and mild temperatures set the stage for a new season,

00:17 and a new drama.

00:19 As night falls, the females slip away from the herd

00:26 and prepare to welcome a slew of newcomers into the world.

00:29 And a whole new set of vulnerabilities.

00:32 Daybreak reveals the yearly miracle.

00:40 Overnight, Yellowstone Country has become a massive nursery.

00:44 [music]

01:00 The calves can stand within hours,

01:02 but they won't be able to run with the herd for two weeks,

01:05 so their mothers keep them apart and keep a close eye on them.

01:11 [music]

01:14 The predators sense a new opportunity.

01:17 There are young prey animals everywhere.

01:22 And the predators have their own hungry young to feed.

01:29 But the hunters need to choose the hunted carefully.

01:36 Bison calves would seem ripe for the picking,

01:39 but they've already joined the herd and are protected by giants.

01:43 Elk calves are smaller and still don't have the protection of the herd.

01:51 Tom knows that water means safety from almost all predators,

02:00 but the little calf also knows that he's no match for raging meltwater.

02:05 [music]

02:10 But Mother soon realizes her mistake.

02:13 She heads back across the river.

02:15 [music]

02:29 Fortunately for her, her calf has his own defense that foils the wolf.

02:35 He, like all newborn elk calves, has almost no scent,

02:39 and even the keen-nosed canine can't smell him.

02:43 It's a brilliant defense, allowing the mother to wander and graze

02:47 while her camouflaged baby hunkers down and disappears into the landscape.

02:53 [music]

02:58 [music]